Texas A&M Professor Files Lawsuit After Firing Over Gender Identity Lesson

A former Texas A&M University English professor has filed a federal lawsuit alleging her firing over a classroom lesson on gender identity violated her constitutional rights, including free speech and due process, highlighting ongoing debates over academic freedom and political influence in higher education.

By Aisha Patel – Global Affairs Correspondent

Last Updated: Feb. 3, 2026

Controversial Firing Sparks Legal Action

Melissa McCoul, who served as a senior lecturer in the English department at Texas A&M University, filed a lawsuit in federal court in Houston alleging the university violated her First Amendment rights and due process protections when it fired her in September 2025. Her dismissal came after a video of a student challenging her lesson on gender identity in a summer children’s literature class went viral online and drew public outrage from political figures, including Texas Governor Greg Abbott. McCoul contends that she was targeted not for violating university policy but for exercising her academic freedom. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Allegations of Political Pressure

According to the lawsuit, McCoul’s firing followed increasing political pressure on university leadership after state Rep. Brian Harrison shared a classroom video on social media. McCoul claims that pressure from conservative lawmakers and criticism over the lesson — which covered gender identity themes — influenced administrators’ decision to terminate her contract, despite internal reviews that found no academic justification for the firing. She asserts her course content fully aligned with the official course description and curriculum. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Accusations of Due Process Violations

McCoul’s legal complaint also argues that Texas A&M failed to provide her with fair procedural protections before dismissing her. She alleges administrators did not follow university policies and denied her the opportunity for a proper hearing before terminating her employment. Internal committees and academic panels previously found that her firing lacked ‘good cause’ and violated academic freedom, recommendations that were ultimately disregarded when the university upheld its decision. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Sought Remedies and Broader Implications

In her lawsuit, McCoul is seeking reinstatement to her previous position, back pay, punitive damages and other restitution. The case has drawn attention from academic freedom advocates who view it as emblematic of wider efforts to restrict classroom discussion of race and gender issues in public universities. Critics argue that the outcome of this lawsuit could set an important precedent for how political pressure is handled within academic institutions and the extent to which faculty can teach controversial or sensitive topics without fear of retaliation. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Policy Changes and Ongoing Debate at Texas A&M

The lawsuit comes amid broader changes at Texas A&M, where the university recently announced it will end its women’s and gender studies program and revise hundreds of course syllabi to limit instruction on race and gender topics. Officials have defended these shifts as measures to ensure clarity and adherence to academic standards, but opponents argue such policies chill free expression and academic inquiry. McCoul’s case is being closely watched as critics warn that restrictions on classroom content could undermine higher education’s commitment to open dialogue and intellectual diversity. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}